20 Reasons to Drop Everything and Go to Spain

20 Reasons to Drop Everything and Go to Spain

1.) The Mediterranean coast is paradise
Spain's long, sandy Atlantic beaches and cozy Mediterranean coves are
rightly famous throughout Europe. That most get over 300 days of sun a
year doesn't hurt either. (Photo by Naxos).
See more photos of beaches in Spain

2.) ...and the mountains are just around the corner.
Trivia: Spain is Europe's second most mountainous country, after
Switzerland. In Switzerland, though, you can't have a cocktail by the
sea an hour away from the slopes. (Photo by Adria V. Fernandez)
See more photos of natural parks in Spain

3.) It has the best restaurant in the world
Ferran Adria's legendary elBulli was number one in its day, and now another Catalan eatery, El Celler de Can Roca, has taken the reins as 2013's best restaurant in the world. (Photo by guiarepsol)
See more photos of restaurants in Spain

4.) ...and the oldest restaurant in the world
Casa Botín is the world's oldest continuously-running restaurant
(since 1725) and the painter Goya even worked there as a waiter. Plus,
it serves a pretty mean roast pig. (Photo by Madrid Ciudad)
See more photos of Casa Botin

5.) There are Egyptian temples
Yup, there's actually an Egyptian temple smack in the center of
Madrid. The Egyptians, of course, didn't live in Spain; the Temple of
Debod was actually a gift from Egypt in 1968. (Photo by Pilar A.
Bartolome)
See more photos of historical monuments in Spain

6.) ...lots of Roman ruins...
Italy takes the cake on this one, but ancient Hispania has some fine
Roman ruins of its own. Plus some, like the Roman theatre in Mérida, are
still often used for performances. (Photo by Rodrigo Nieto)
See more Roman ruins in Spain

7.)...and Moorish palaces.
The Moors ruled Al-Andalus for nearly 800 years and their influence is seen on everything from the language to some of Spain's most famous sights, like the Alhambra in Granada. (Photo by Eva PM)
See more photos of the Alhambra

8.) The parties are legendary
Few local parties make international news, but few places throw a
party like Spain. The Tomatina is an annual fave and Pamplona's Running
of the Bulls drew nearly 100,000 people in 2013. (Photo by Albergue
Tourism Rural)
Check out more photos of Pamplona

9.) ...and there are dozens you still haven't discovered.
Most Spanish villages have their own summer fiestas, ranging
from folk dances to 5-story human statues, flaming effigies, and
battles involving paint, meringue, grapes, or oranges. (Photo by
Viveydeja)
See more photos of festivals in Spain10.) There are amazing cathedrals...
Spain has cathedrals of every stripe, from Gaudi's modern masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia, to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, a place of international pilgrimage. (Photo by Santcer)
See more photos of cathedrals in Spain

11.)...1,000-year-old mosques...
Sure, Europe is full of cathedrals, but how about 1000-year-old mosques? The Mezquita in Cordoba is unique in Europe and has been a World Heritage Site since 1984. (Photo by Romaine Labadie)
See more photos of the Mosque of Cordoba

12.) ...and mind-blowing water parks!
Lago Martianez, an oasis of sea water, palms, and volcanic rock in
Tenerife, brings waterparks to the level of art. Plus, you can spend all
day there for less than the price of your sunscreen. (Photo by Ireth)
See more photos of Lago Martianez

13.) The whole place is riddled with hidden beachesCalas (coves) are a Spanish classic. Skip the city beaches
and head for the Balearic Islands and find endless gems hidden between
pine forests and crystal-blue water. (Photo by Menorca en Barco)
See more photos of coves in Spain

14.) It produces the best wine in the world...
The La Rioja region makes some of the world's best vino, including Wine Spectator's Best Wine of 2013. Since most of it is consumed internally, it's still deliciously affordable. (Photo by Alava Incoming)
See more photos of wineries in Spain

15.) ...and you get free food when you order a drink.
Serving something tasty with your drink is a time-honored Spanish
tradition. In some cities, especially smaller ones, it's entirely
possible to have a full dinner just by ordering drinks. (Photo by Analia
Plaza)
See more photos of tapas in Spain

16.) You can visit Salvador Dalí's house...
(Photo by May Lopez)
Come for the priceless works of art, stay for the Cadillac in the patio and giant eggs on the roof. (Photo by May Lopez)
See more photos of the Salvador Dalí House-Museum

17.) ...and eat chicken grilled on an active volcano.
You read that right. On the volcanic island of Lanzarote, you can spend the morning hiking the volcano at Timanfaya National Park then enjoy a lunch cooked over an open volcanic vent. (Photo by Naxos)
See more photos of Lanzarote

18.) People decorate their houses like this
Andalucía is full of sunny bougainvillea-draped villages, and Cordoba
even holds an annual competition for the most flowery courtyards which
draws thousands of visitors. (Photo by Zu Sanchez)
See more photos of Cordoba

19.) There are countless varieties of paella
From rabbit and snails to mussels and prawns, paella comes in dozens
of local varieties which are a matter of regional pride in many
provinces. Lucky for us, they're all mouth-watering. (Photo by Anadel)
See more photos of Valencia

20.) Mediterranean lifestyle, anyone?
While many stereotypes (daily siestas, achem) are more myth
than fact, the culture of long family meals, Sunday snoozes, and summers
on the coast certainly has its appeal. (Photo Fito R. Serrano)